Why does everyone love Cesar Millan?

Question

I think the show is badly made - too much 'before and after', not enough 'during', and the little we see of his techniques are physically aggressive (e.g. jabbing, poking)!

Why do people always recommend his techniques, esp. when (thanks to the editing of the show) they haven't seen them properly in action, but what we *do* see is physically violent? There is no 'whispering' involved, he doesn't sense a thing in comparison to our dog's behavioural trainer - now *there's* a bona fide dog whisperer!

Er, thanks, but I *have* watched the show - how else would I have formed my opinion? :)

alreadyfubar, whereas I appreciate your input, I'll thank you not to judge me. Not that it is any of your business, but my dog knows his place in the hierarchy. He was abused, and I am doing the responsible thing by seeking a qualified professional to help me help my dog. So, don't jump to conclusions.

To clarify: I am not criticizing anyone for watching the show. I have watched a few episodes, but I don't watch it anymore (that part should have been obvious...) but I *DO* see lots of people on this forum raving about him.

I work in TV, so know how a show needs to be condensed. I also know how a show is made from start to finish, which is half the reason I think it's a poorly made show. All I'm saying is, it would be more helpful to see more of Cesar's techniques. From what I can see, his methods are cruel. Of course, if it's the difference between being cruel to a dog or putting it down, I'd prefer to see the dog live. I just don't think Cesar is all that great, and I don't think the advice his advocates give (i.e. "watch The Dog Whisperer [to help you with your problem], he's awesome!" is particularly good advice!

Thanks to those of you who gave your opinions politely and with an open-mind.

Answer 1

I have learned two things from Cesar that I have found to be useful.

#1- in order of importance- Exercise, discipline, affection
When I started practicing this on my dog and stuck to my guns, her attention span became longer, her training periods more productive, her attitude so much more positive! This is one thing he has got 100% right.

#2- I learned how to properly walk a large, strong dog. I volunteer at a shelter and believe me, getting dragged around by a 100lb + Rottie mix is NOT fun. We have choke collars and prong collars and head collars, but the leash itself became the tool that worked the best. Using Cesar's methods of leash position, dog position, handler position, I was able to safely control and exercise dogs that weighed almost as much as I do!

As for the "pokes" and "shoves" he gives with his fingers and feet, they are attention getting corrections and not abusive at all.

I do agree with you about the show's layout, however. I think the results he acheives do NOT happen in the 1/2 hour of taping and the way they lay it out makes it seem like he walks in the door and 15 minutes later all the problems are gone.

There needs to be only 1 case per show, I think, to go into more depth on the training approaches.

Answer 2

Yes everyone is right about how the show makes us think he works his miracle in only 15 minutes, but if you pay attention to the beforehand you will hear them say that they had to condense it for television (or something to that effect). Each program is only allotted a certain time slot and they adjust to this.

As for him being cruel, from what I've seen I don't really think he is, because you would hear yelping or see tucked tales or the dogs avoiding him. Granted "some" of his techniques
are a little different. I myself have tried a few of them on my dogs and they've worked amazingly!! My dogs love me to pieces and when I tell them it's time to learn or go for a walk they practically fall over each other to get by me! (Ok, I stretched the verb-age a little, but they love training time!)Maybe I was just lucky but I'm glad I learned them. And actually I'm sure we all won't end up with the same result as he does because our dogs are accustomed to us and OUR state of mind DOES influence our dogs tremendously!

Answer 3

I think he does have some talent that the show glosses over in an effort to keep all of the Americans with ADD entertained. My biggest problem with his book and the show is that he doesn't talk much about training a dog the right way from the start as a puppy. Instead he deals with dogs that have been poorly trained and need to be corrected.

Answer 4

The 'Dog Whisperer' thing is just an expression. You know, like the 'Ghost Whisperer', the 'Horse Whisperer', and all that. Cesar Millan's techniques work. Dogs aren't fragile animals (well, save for the little ones). Wolves in the wild used many of the displays of dominance that Cesar does.

Answer 5

I'm not sure, maybe because they cut out days of his work and make it seem like he "fixes" all of their problems in an hour. All of the times I've watched his show I was really disapointed, I'm only 14 and have no experience what-so-ever with dog training (although I did train all of my dogs), but even I knew most if not all of his strategies

Answer 6

Hes a dog behavoirist . Would you rather have a dog that is pure aggresiveness or misbehaves in public all the time ? He isnt hurting the dogs . Thats how dogs are grabbed by the neck . Its not hurting them at all . And besides all dog behavoirist have different methods in training but its best to consult a prof. before trying Ceaser's methods . His methods work but its still best to consult a professional .

Answer 7

I love watching Cesar's show ~ I think he has very good intentions. He has done wonders for many dogs who otherwise might have been put down because of their behavior ~ the psychology he practices is from years and years of training, study, etc...

If you don't like what he does, DON'T WATCH THE SHOW....

Answer 8

AMEN. I am so with you! I was just watching it a half hour ago and he kinda grabs or "bites" the dog with his hands he kind of hurts em. The way he pulls the dog on the leash! Omg that was so harsh! I dont really like him I like Victoria Stilwell better she plays the one on "Its me or the Dog" I like that show better because she uses techniques that actually work and that are harmless and she really knows the dogs brain. The show is kind of the same with Dog whisperer but Its me or the dog is more of a family show and she doesnt even touch the dog except for pets on the head and a lil cuddle.

Answer 9

Because he is the dog whisperer. But frankly, I don't like that title, because anyone can whisper to dogs.

Answer 10

obviously you are not the pack leader of your household your triner is!!!! Ceaser's methods work however the show is porly made.... I will agree there. He guides people how to deal with there problums them selves and how to modify their own behavior he is more of a PEOPLE WHISPERER. Read up on the pack structure and dog socialization before you critize anybody but yourself there is a reason you hired a trainer cuz you had a problem and couldn't or wouldn't deal with it your aself. Welcome to owning an unbalenced dog and possibly a danger one day. Seroiusly though.... even if you don't like him... his method works and as been in development for years.. he just happened to be the one to get famous doing it.